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Parents urged to keep Child Benefit and Tax Credits details updated

25th August 2016

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has called on parents to update their child’s educational status before the 31st August deadline in order to avoid Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits from ceasing.

With GCSE exam results released across the country, HMRC has sought to issue a final reminder to parents to confirm the eligibility of their children aged 16+ if they are remaining in full-time, non-advanced education, moving into employment or undertaking approved training such as an apprenticeship.

Claimants of Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits must also inform HMRC immediately if their child aged 16+ leaves full-time education or training, for instance, to begin full-time employment or due to the commencement of their course.

Those who fail to do so could receive more money than they’re entitled to, which will have to be paid back.

Nick Lodge, director general, Benefits and Credits, HMRC, said: “This is an exciting time for teenagers and their families as they decide which path they want to choose next.

“But it’s important that customers let us know what education their son or daughter is undertaking after they turn 16 so that we can ensure they receive the correct benefits.

“This can be done simply and quickly using the Personal Tax Account which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“That means that parents can let us know their child’s education status at a time that suits them ahead of 31 August.”

Parents can access their Personal Tax Account to update both their Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit information online within minutes and on any device – PC, tablet or smartphone.